1. Person vs. Person:
* Direct Conflict: The main character clashes directly with another character, often due to opposing goals, beliefs, or personalities. Examples: a fight between two friends, a romantic rivalry, a battle between a hero and villain.
* Indirect Conflict: Characters are not directly opposed but their actions or desires create conflict. Examples: a jealous sibling sabotaging their brother's career, a parent struggling to understand their rebellious teenager.
2. Person vs. Nature:
* The character faces challenges posed by the natural world. Examples: surviving a storm, battling a wild animal, adapting to a harsh environment.
3. Person vs. Society:
* The character opposes societal norms, laws, or established systems. Examples: a rebel fighting against an oppressive government, a scientist challenging the established scientific community, a minority group struggling for equality.
4. Person vs. Technology:
* The character encounters difficulties due to technology or advancements. Examples: struggling with artificial intelligence, battling a rogue robot, trying to survive in a dystopian future.
5. Person vs. Fate/Destiny:
* The character struggles against forces seemingly beyond their control. Examples: trying to escape a predetermined future, battling against a curse, fighting to overcome an inherited trait.
Examples of External Conflicts in Literature:
* Hamlet: Hamlet struggles with the murder of his father (Person vs. Person) and his inability to act decisively (Person vs. Self).
* Pride and Prejudice: Elizabeth Bennet faces social pressure to marry well (Person vs. Society) and her own prejudice against Darcy (Person vs. Person).
* The Hunger Games: Katniss Everdeen battles other tributes in a deadly competition (Person vs. Person) and the oppressive Capitol (Person vs. Society).
Key Points to Remember:
* External conflicts can exist individually or in combination.
* They drive the plot and create tension.
* They often force characters to grow and change.
* They can be resolved through action, compromise, or acceptance.
Understanding external conflicts helps you analyze the story and appreciate how characters face and overcome challenges, making the story more engaging and thought-provoking.